Eight players heading to FIFA World Cup 2026 with injury concerns ft. Lamine Yamal & Neymar

Could Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal and Neymar Jr miss the FIFA World Cup 2026?

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to kick off in less than a month, teams have begun finalising their squads for the tournament.

With a record 48 nations competing for football’s most coveted trophy, fans are eagerly looking forward to every squad update.

However, the availability of some of the biggest footballing names is in jeopardy due to fitness doubts. The rigorous footballing schedules and concerning injury records among star players will significantly impact how nations formulate their ideal combinations.

On that note, here are eight players heading into the FIFA World Cup 2026 with critical injury concerns.

8. Memphis Depay – Netherlands

The Netherlands could be heading to the FIFA World Cup 2026 without their most lethal attacking threat, Memphis Depay. The Corinthians starman has been regularly battling injuries, being sidelined for 144 days since joining the side in 2025.

Despite returning to training, he was ruled out for their most recent fixture against Peñarol after suffering a recurring calf issue. Manager Ronald Koeman views Depay as the “indispensable difference maker” and the focal point of the Dutch attack. With the Netherlands featuring in a highly competitive group, fitness issues of the nation’s all-time top scorer could be a major concern.

7. Nico Paz – Argentina

Nico Paz has established himself as one of the most promising talents in world football, registering 20 G/A in 37 appearances for Como 1907 this season. Making his debut with the national team in 2024, Nico Paz has cemented his position in Scaloni’s side.

After suffering a knock to his knee, Nico Paz was sidelined for the first time this season against Parma. With Paz considered to be a central piece in Lionel Scaloni’s 26-man squad, his injury concerns might have a huge impact on Argentina’s title defence hopes.

Also Read: Messi, Ronaldo & Ochoa are heading to their sixth FIFA World Cup in 2026

6. Cristian Romero – Argentina

Defending champions Argentina are currently affected by multiple injury concerns. One of the key pieces of the side’s title-winning defence, Cristian Romero, could miss the initial stages of the tournament.

He sustained a high-grade medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear and is expected to miss eight weeks of football. Despite the Argentine medical staff being confident that Romero will be back in time for the tournament, he might miss the group stage fixtures due to a lack of adequate preparation.

5. Alphonso Davies –  Canada

The tournament co-hosts, Canada, are expected to enter the competition on their home soil without their captain, Alphonso Davies. The Bayern Munich wingback suffered a hamstring injury during the UEFA Champions League second leg against PSG.

The injury has put Davies’ World Cup ambitions in jeopardy, with the Bavarian side clarifying their position on only releasing the player after completing his recovery. He is set to miss the initial group stage fixtures, which might affect Canada’s survival in the World Cup.

4. Achraf Hakimi – Morocco

Achraf Hakimi has been widely regarded as one of the most standout players for PSG in recent years. He was an instrumental piece in PSG’s Ligue 1 victory and securing the side’s place in the Champions League final.

However, the right-back is in doubt for the World Cup after suffering a right thigh muscle injury during the Champions League second leg fixture against Bayern Munich. Speculations arose after Hakimi was not included in Morocco’s preliminary squad despite being the team captain.

Also Read: Who will be Lionel Messi’s roommate during FIFA World Cup 2026?

3. Lamine Yamal – Spain

The Spaniard has been captivating the footballing world ever since making his debut for FC Barcelona at the age of 16, cementing himself as one of the sport’s most exciting prospects. He has also been a regular starter for the Spanish national team, playing an instrumental role in Spain’s 2024 Euros victory.

However, Lamine Yamal is set to miss the first two group stages after suffering a hamstring injury at Barcelona. Considered to be one of the tournament favourites, Yamal’s lack of proper game fitness might affect Spain’s title hopes.

2. Neymar Jr – Brazil

One of the most exciting announcements for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is the inclusion of Neymar Jr in Brazil’s final 26-man squad. Neymar will be aiming to guide the nation to their sixth World Cup victory after falling in the quarter-finals in the 2022 edition.

However, Neymar’s recent injury records will be one of the major concerns for Ancelotti’s Brazil side. Currently, Neymar has been sidelined after suffering a minor calf injury in May 2026. While he is set to return on time for World Cup preparations, Neymar’s recurring injuries could affect Brazil’s attacking combinations.

1. Lionel Messi – Argentina

One of the exciting players to watch out for in the tournament, Lionel Messi, is in huge doubt for the tournament, having been subbed off as a precaution in Inter Miami’s most recent fixture.

Messi, after guiding Argentina to the World Cup title in 2022, will be aiming to secure consecutive titles for the side. Messi is in incredible form, after managing to register 20 G/A in 16 matches. While Messi is expected to be back, Lionel Scaloni and his staff will be closely monitoring the situation.

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